Rebel Yell

Chapter 57: Death Sentence

Walking through the office cubical was awkward. Of course my mother's boyfriend/my boss's office was on the top floor of the building. I knew I had to approach both my mother and her boyfriend in a calm and collected manner. Bria and I have been rehearsing what story we would tell the both of them that would seem believable and like I wasn't in trouble because the last thing I need is my mother telling my sisters that I'm in some sort of trouble and they of course would tell my dad and he'd be here in a heartbeat and that's something I need to prevent from happening. I'll be back in Michigan soon enough, for now my dad and sisters don't need to worry about me.

This whole floor had tons of small little cubical's with computer desks with office people at them. At the other end of the floor was my step father's office that was inside of a huge glass room with literally glass doors and glass walls. I gulped as I noticed my mother and her boyfriend sitting at his desk in his office, smiles across their faces as they noticed both Bria and I making our way towards them.

"Hey honey! Hey Bria" My mother greeted us. Her hair was freshly died a burgundy color. Like I've said before, my mother is a huge fitness addict and literally does not look her age, if anything she looks about ten years older than I am, it's weird and often annoying.

"Hello, ladies." My mom's boyfriend greeted us as he stood up from his office chair and held out his ass, motioning us to sit down on the leather couch in his office.

Bria smiled and plopped down on the couch, as if she was planning to get comfortable or something. I shot Bria a glare and she mouthed 'what?' to me. I shook my head in disbelief and turned to face my mother and her boyfriend.

"Is something wrong?" My mom asked, reaching out to touch me.

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair, "Mom... we're going to have to turn down the job offer."

"What?" Both my mom and step dad asked, appalled at what I was saying.

Bria looked bobbed her head up and down and pressed her tongue against the inside of her cheek, awkwardly pretending to be looking around to avoid the awkward conversation that I was about to have with my mother and step father, Mr. Grimes.

"Look, Mr. Grimes... it was a wonderful gesture and we both appreciate it very much. Right Bria?" I hissed, wide eyed at Bria.

"...Oh, yeah. Yeah! Very much so sir." Bria replied with an awkward smile.

"Please.. call me Richard." My step dad corrected.

"Amber..." My mom whispered as she leaned in towards my ear, "If this is because I've been a horrible mother to you in the past... I'm sorry. Please... please don't give up a wonderful opportunity like this just because of me. I'm trying to make up for everything I've ever done." My mom added, pulling away slightly. I could see the tears begin to swell up in her beautiful blue eyes.

I shook my head, "Mom... you did absolutely nothing and I'm glad we're reunited, I really am. It's just... I think I came back to Boston way too soon. I need to go home and grieve the loss of my husband. After all he is buried back in Detroit."

As much as I wanted to tell my mom the truth - that Bria and I were actually running because I killed Joe - I couldn't. That would put both my mother and intentionally my sisters and Dad in danger.

"Amber, I love your mother very much and I want you to give me a chance." Richard started, looking a little hurt that I was turning down his job offer. "If there's anything I can do for you, please tell me. I will pay for counseling, any unpaid debts that you and your husband shared, anything... just give me a chance."